Five Smooth Stones

Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This is one of the best books i've ever read. My wife has been telling me about it for decades and i've finally been able to experience it. Five Smooth Stones is a moving and inspiring story of African American life in the U.S. South during the early to mid 20th century. It focuses primarily on one man and his family as he grows up and evolves into a leader, championing the cause of civil rights, justice, and freedom for and with his people. The story and the characters are real, as real as any historical fiction you could read. It covers many generations and reminds me of Les Miserables in its literary style. It is wonderfully told, and takes the reader through many emotions as it unfolds. I believe that this story is so important that every American should read it. At a minimum, anyone who calls "The South" their home should read this story. We as non-African Americans need to acknowledge and confront the shame and horror of our very recent actions, and hopefully, apply the wisdom gained toward not repeating the same shameful horrors against other people groups in our community and nation (ie. LGBT). Many issues are laid bare and ugly for the reader to confront and contemplate, hopefully to grow into a better person. Six stars for this one, on my required reading list.

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